"Recent" advice in Koh Samui

[again, sorry]

Hi, we're travelling (two couples w/ no kids + a single) to Koh Samui next 24/08 'til 29/08.
I need real "recent" advice for a Hotel.
I've been reading ALL the post in this site regarding Koh Samui but most of them are from years ago. And also I founded so may hotels, so many areas, so many choices... but has anybody been recently and can give me a word in terms of which area, price, etc..
BTW, we're after a quiet area but not too fare from the shoping area (by walk), decent hotel, etc..
Thanks to all as you help a lot.

[thai]

If you want to be walking distance to the beach, but relatively quiet, then the Amari hotel at the top of Chaweng beach may be suitable (stayed there a few weeks ago). Rates < 100 USD, nice hotel, 2 pools, nice, modern rooms, spa, good breakfast. If you want to pay a bit more I understand Poppies is a popular choice, but havent stayed there myself.

[bozo]

I have tried them all. Poppes is by far abd away the best of them in my opinion

[again, sorry]

Thanks to all for the comments.

Poppies should be great but it is off out budget. I'm checking Amari and... any other recommendation?

Thanks again.

[Beach Retreat]

which beach are you looking at staying on?  Chaweng is the most popular (and busy).  there are some others which I thought were nice, such as Bophut and Hat Choeng Mon.  Chaweng has the best beach, but Bophut had a nice, village atmosphere about it - much quieter than over Chaweng way.  I would consider staying there next time.

When we went there, I got an up to date lonely planet guide book, made a list of the hotels I liked the look of in there, and then trawled websites such as the sawadee one, which has photos of the resorts and hotels.  We ended up staying on the Chaweng to Lamai road, which was too far to walk to either town, but suited us fine.  There are some nice places to stay up there (and good views), but you'll either need to hire a car, or grab one of those taxi bus things (sawngthaews I believe they are called) - to get anywhere else.

Good luck with your choice - it's a nightmare trying to pick a good place I know, I spent a whole day trawling websites to find the place we stayed, but fortunately it was worth it!

[again, sorry]

Thanks again,

Actually I'm looking at Chaweng beach because we will be very in the middle of everything (like Patong beach in Pukhet, as I read before). Don't forget that we are going with two women ready to spend "some" money, and also myself, of course.
As it is our first time in Koh Samui I think we have to "feel" what it is like. In the future we will try other areas where I'm sure the atmosphere is not that noisy.
So, once I have decided that, now I have to go for the hotel.... and here is where the troubble comes.
To find it or not to find it, (the real choice) this is the question.

[Heart of Darkness]

Chaweng may be the busiest place on Koh Samui, but it is no Patong Beach.  Most of the hotels are right on the beach, and unless you go outside, you really wouldn't know that the relative hussle and bussle of Chaweng existed

[This message has been edited by BoardManager (edited 14-08-2004).]

[I stayed]

Theres only one hotel I truly love in Chaweng and it's the Kulaypan Hotel

it's modern clean and simple but at the same time  very chic and hip hotel

Best Pool and garden by far

Very unique and susrprisingly cheap

I took so many friends there and they all loved it

[This message has been edited by BoardManager (edited 14-08-2004).]

[in April]

we stayed at the Chaweng Buri hotel which was fantastic.  Great little bungalows, hotel beach front one side, road with all the great shopping at the other side.  Can't go wrong!!  The staff were lovely and helpful.  Avoid hotels listed as Chaweng Noi because they are a fair hike from the main money spending action!  I wouldn't go any further south than Poppies.  Buri was in a perfect spot and we loved it!

[beach]

Have to second "in April", we stayed at Charweng Buri last October and have booked it again for this October. Nothing flash, but great clean bungalows in a fantastic position. In my opinion it is on the best part of the beach and then you also have the advantage of the shopping right at your doorstep. No long walks to get to restuarants or shops and then having to worry about how your going to get back to your hotel.  Definately the best place to stay for value of your money.

[again, sorry]

Back from Koh Samui already.

Finally we stayed at the Kulaypan Hotel in Chaweng beach.

In two words.... IN-CREDIBLE!! Great atmosphere, really quiet resort, good breakfast, amazing people.

Also went through Amari and looks really great. Both are in the BEST area of Chaweng beach. Out of the noisy-crowed area but only 5-10 min of a nice walking.

Honestly, thank you so much for the replies, they helped a lot.

Cheers.